Bachelor of Arts (B-ARTS)

You’re currently viewing the 2020 version of this course

Overview

Award title	Bachelor of Arts
Year & campus	2020 — Parkville
CRICOS code	002167E
Fees information	Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date
Study level & type	Undergraduate Coursework
AQF level	7
Credit points	300 credit points
Duration	36 months full-time or 36 months full-time or 72 months part-time

The Bachelor of Arts offers unique flexibility with the opportunity to focus on one or two majors or a major and a minor chosen from a broad range of programs in the humanities, social sciences and languages. Students can:

Benefit from studying with high achieving local and international students and learn from internationally recognised scholars and industry professionals;
Study one or more languages with most areas available from beginners to advanced level;
Create pathways into further postgraduate study in vocationally focused coursework masters programs and, with the completion of an Honours year, entry into research higher degrees;
Undertake specialised fieldwork, research options and integrated internship and volunteering programs which provide opportunities for professional work experience and community engagement;
Enjoy a rewarding professional career, with University of Melbourne Bachelor of Arts graduates enjoying employment rates well above the national Arts average;
Undertake international exchange study at more than 180 universities worldwide, receiving credit towards your Bachelor of Arts degree;
Create an individual study program by undertaking breadth studies in areas such as bioscience, commerce, environments, music and science or by choosing University breadth subjects.

Links to further information

http://www.arts.unimelb.edu.au/

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed one of:

(a) the Victorian Certificate of Education including;
VCE Units 3 and 4 either a study score of at least 25 in English/English Language/Literature or a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language;

(b) the International Baccalaureate Diploma including at least Grade 4 in English or English B (Standard Level or Higher Level);

(c) a senior secondary program, foundation studies program or equivalent approved by Academic Board including appropriate English language studies.
Except for applicants eligible for Access Melbourne minimum ATAR or equivalent overall performance rankings apply.

Meeting requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider prior academic performance.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board Rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. For applications who have not completed the Victorian Certificate of Education or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, undergraduate English language requirements must be met.

Note. For applications through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre “middle band” selection adjustments are made only on the basis of eligibility for Access Melbourne.

Applicants intending to major in Economics are advised that mathematic requirements apply for this major: at least 25 in VCE Units 3 and 4 in IB Mathematics (Standard Level or Higher Level) or equivalent; VCE Further Mathematics or IB Mathematical Studies are not sufficient.

For information on admissions please visit: www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The inherent academic requirements for study in the Bachelor of Arts are:

the ability to attend classes and actively engage in both independent and group learning;
the ability to comprehend complex disciplinary and interdisciplinary information related to the courses taught in the faculty;
the ability to explain and evaluate complex concepts, theories and issues at work in a variety of texts;
the ability to clearly communicate a knowledge and application of humanities, social sciences and language principles and practices during assessment tasks.

Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. They must take full responsibility for their own participation and learning and adhere to the expectations outlined in the Student Charter.

Students also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative environments and must therefore demonstrate a wide range of interpersonal skills which consider the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students. Integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that are deemed necessary for students enrolled in the BA.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Faculty policy to take all reasonable steps to enable the participation of students with disabilities. Students who feel their disability will prevent them from participating in tasks involving these inherent academic requirements are encouraged to contact Disability Liaison. Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability; however, students should participate in the course in an independent manner.

Intended learning outcomes

BA graduates:

Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of selected fields of study in core disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and languages;
Apply critical and analytical skills and methods to the identification and resolution of problems within complex changing social contexts.
Demonstrate a general understanding of the concepts and principles of selected areas of study outside core disciplines of the humanities, social sciences and languages;
Apply an independent approach to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of inquiry and appropriate theories and methodologies that are applied with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values;
Articulate the relationship between diverse forms of knowledge and the social, historical and cultural contexts that produced them;
Communicate effectively and, in the case of those students undertaking a language major, read, write, listen to and speak another language with fluency and appreciate its cultural context;
Act as informed and critically discerning participants within the community of scholars, as citizens and in the work force;
Work effectively in groups to meet a shared goal with people whose disciplinary and cultural backgrounds differ from their own;
Work with independence, self-reflection and creativity to meet goals and challenges in the workplace and personal life.

Graduate attributes

The University of Melbourne educational experience prepares well-rounded graduates who are academically outstanding, practically grounded and socially responsible. Melbourne's graduates are distinguished by their broad outlook and openness to different perspectives.

Melbourne's degrees develop research and reasoning skills that equip graduates to be influential citizens with high leadership potential. The University's graduates engage with national and global issues and are attuned to social and cultural diversity. They have high levels of self-awareness and value their personal integrity and well-being.

Academic distinction

A Melbourne degree provides graduates with in-depth knowledge of their specialist disciplines and skills in examining issues with multiple disciplinary perspectives. Melbourne graduates are critical, creative thinkers with strong reasoning skills. They can apply knowledge, information and research skills to complex problems in a range of contexts and are effective oral and written communicators.

The Melbourne educational experience prepares graduates to be entrepreneurial and innovative thought-leaders. Melbourne graduates bring research and inquiry skills to challenges in their workplaces and communities. They are adept lifelong learners who generate bold and novel ideas by critically evaluating alternative possibilities and viewpoints.

Active citizenship

Melbourne graduates have engaged with contemporary local, national and global issues and developed an appreciation of the Asian region. They have a high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment. Melbourne graduates are aware of the social and cultural diversity in communities and can work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. In particular, they have an understanding of and deep respect for Indigenous knowledge, culture and values.

The Melbourne experience supports a commitment to civic service in graduates' lives and careers, equipping them to be active, well-informed citizens who make substantial contributions to society. Graduates have the potential to be leaders in their professions and communities, with the capacity to work effectively across disciplines and cultures. Through advocacy and innovation they are able to lead change for a sustainable future.

Integrity and self-awareness

Melbourne graduates are motivated, self-directed and well-organised, with the ability to set goals and manage time and priorities. They are able to work effectively both independently and in groups. They are also highly self-aware and reflective, with skills in self-assessment, and place great importance on their personal and professional integrity.

The opportunities offered by the Melbourne experience help prepare graduates who are enthusiastic, self-assured and confident of their knowledge, yet flexible, adaptable and aware of their limitations. Melbourne's graduates are willing to explore, experiment and learn from mistakes. They have empathy and concern for the welfare of others and can manage their own well-being.

Course structure

The Bachelor of Arts requires the successful completion of 24 subjects. Each subject is equivalent to 12.5 credit points or multiples thereof.

18 Arts subjects (225 credit points)

Four Breadth subjects (50 credit points)

Two Arts or Breadth subjects (25 credit points)

Compulsory Requirements

Students must complete one major and subject selection must meet the requirements of that major (eight subjects / 100 credit points across levels 1, 2, and 3).
One Arts Foundation Subject (12.5 credit points) completed in the first 100 credit points of the course. *
One Capstone subject at level 3 in non-language disciplines.*
A maximum of ten subjects (125 points) can be completed at level 1
A maximum of ten subjects (125 points) can be completed in one discipline
At least four Breadth subjects (50 credit points).

*Note: Arts Foundation credit points can only count towards one major. Capstone subjects are only available to students who are undertaking a major in that discipline.

Arts subjects : Core and Elective (225 credit points)

At least six subjects (75 credit points) at level 1, including one Arts Foundation Subject
At least six subjects (75 credit points) at level 2
At least six subjects (75 credit points) at level 3

See the Progression Rule for sequencing of subjects.

Breadth subjects (50 credit points)

At least one breadth subject (12.5 credit points) but no more than three breadth subjects (37.5 credit points) at level 1
At least one breadth subject (12.5 credit points) at level 2 or 3.

Arts or Breadth subjects (25 credit points)

Two subjects (25 credit points) of Arts elective subjects at levels 1, 2 or 3

Two breadth subjects (25 credit points) at levels 2 or 3.

Progression Rule

Students must complete a minimum of four subjects (50 credit points) at each year level before enrolling for subjects in the next year level. For example, complete 50 credit points of level 1 subjects before enrolling in level 2 subjects, and 50 credit points of level 2 subjects before enrolling in level 3.

Note that progression and credit point rules apply to every major and minor; subjects must include enrolments across levels 1, 2 and 3, and include any specified core / compulsory subjects.

For policies that govern this degree, see the Courses, Subjects, Awards and Programs Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Library. Students also should also refer to information in the Enrolment and Timetabling Policy.

Subject options

General Faculty of Arts Based Subjects

Work Integrated Learning

Note: Students may only complete one of the listed Work Integrated Learning subjects per semester, and students cannot complete the same Work Integrated Learning subject at different year levels.

Code	Name	Study period	Credit Points
MULT20010	Arts Internship	Summer Term Semester 1 Semester 2	12.5
MULT20012	Arts Internship: Not for Profit	Semester 1 Semester 2	12.5
MULT20014	Community Volunteering - Global	Summer Term June	12.5
MULT30019	Arts Internship	Summer Term Semester 1 Semester 2	12.5
MULT30020	Arts Internship: Not for Profit	Semester 1 Semester 2	12.5
MULT30021	Community Volunteering - Global	Summer Term June	12.5
ARTS30001	Industry Project	Semester 2	12.5

Multidisciplinary

Note: Australia Now is recommended for incoming study abroad (SA-EX), exchange students (EX-UG) and international students with limited experience of Australian culture.

Code	Name	Study period	Credit Points
MULT10019	Arts in Florence	Not available in 2020	12.5
MULT20013	Australia Now	Semester 1 Winter Term Semester 2	12.5

Breadth requirements

Find breadth subjects

Use the Handbook Search function to find subjects that can be used as breadth studies in the Bachelor of Arts

Majors, minors & specialisations

Majors & Minors

Major Requirements

Students must complete one major. This is usually eight subjects (100 credit points) in one Arts discipline:

Level 1 – two subjects (25 credit points) #

Level 2 – three subjects (37.5 credit points)

Level 3 – three subjects (37.5 credit points)

# Arts Foundation Subject credit points can count towards a major if this fits the requirements of the major. The Handbook entry for the Bachelor of Arts explains the subjects required to complete a major in each discipline.

Major Rules

Students may complete two majors (maximum) in two separate disciplines
Each major must include at least two subjects (25 credit points) at level 1 in each discipline
Non-language majors, except for Economics and Psychology, can include an Arts Foundation subject as a level 1 subject
Subjects, including Arts Foundation Subjects, cannot be credited to more than one major or minor
Majors in some disciplines include prerequisites and compulsory subjects
All majors in non-language disciplines include a compulsory Capstone Subject at level 3; only students completing a major in that discipline can enrol in the Capstone.
Students may complete a maximum of 10 subjects (125 credit points) in one discipline, across levels 1, 2 and 3
Students considering two majors must ensure subject selection follows the progression rules in each discipline – complete all required level 1 subjects before enrolling in level 2 subjects, and complete four level 2 subjects before enrolling in level 3 subjects.

Non-Standard Majors

Chinese Major

Students who undertake a major in Chinese Studies from entry point 1 (beginners level) must complete 10 Chinese subjects (125 points) as Arts subjects.

Social Sciences Major - Double Major in Criminology, Politics and International Studies, and Sociology

The subjects MULT20003 Critical Analytical Skills and MULT30018 Applied Research Methods are compulsory in the Criminology, Politics and International Studies, and Sociology majors. Students who are completing two majors in any two of these disciplines can only count MULT20003 and MULT30018 towards one major. One additional Level 2 subject and one additional Level 3 subject must be completed for the other major.

Psychology Major

Students who undertake a major in Psychology must complete 10 Psychology subjects (125 points) comprising eight compulsory subjects (100 points) taken as Arts subjects, and two subjects (25 points – 12.5 at level 2 and 12.5 at level 3) taken as Psychology electives. Two subjects (25 points) at level 2 and/or Level 3 of this major will count towards breadth.

Economics Major

Students who undertake a major in Economics will complete nine Economics subjects (112.5 points) comprising three subjects (37.5 points) taken as Arts subjects and six subjects (75 points) taken as breadth. No further breadth subjects are allowed. Students may only count Economics subjects as an Arts subject if they are completing the Major. Students who are not completing the major must take Economics Subjects as breadth. Students are expected to have met the Mathematics pre-requisite for the Economics major. Students may complete the Mathematics pre-requisite concurrently, preferably through the Community Access Program.

Minor Requirements

Students may complete one minor. This is usually six subjects (75 credit points) in one discipline:

Level 1 – two subjects (25 points)

Level 2 – two subjects (25 points)

Level 3 – two subjects (25 points)

Capstone subjects are not available in a minor.

Advanced Standing

Students applying for advanced standing should ensure that the completed subject area which is the basis of the advanced standing application is cognate with the major they are intending to complete. Further details on the University of Melbourne website.

Arts Foundation Subjects:

Name	Credit Points
Arts Foundation Subjects

Majors and minors are available in the following areas of study:

Name	Credit Points
Ancient World Studies	100
Anthropology	100
Arabic Studies	100
Art History	100
Asian Studies	100
Chinese Studies	100
Classics	100
Creative Writing	100
Criminology	100
Economics	112.5
English and Theatre Studies	100
French Studies	100
Gender Studies	100
Geography	100
German Studies	100
Hebrew and Jewish Studies	100
History	100
History and Philosophy of Science	100
Indigenous Studies	100
Indonesian Studies	100
Islamic Studies	100
Italian Studies	100
Japanese Studies	100
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics	100
Media and Communications	100
Philosophy	100
Politics and International Studies	100
Psychology	125
Russian Studies	100
Screen and Cultural Studies	100
Sociology	100
Spanish and Latin American Studies	100

The following areas of study are available as minors only:

Name	Credit Points
Chinese Societies	75
Development Studies	75
English Language Studies	75
Environmental Studies	75
European Studies	75
Knowledge and Learning	75
Law and Justice	75

Further study

Honours
High-achieving BA graduates may apply for entry to the Bachelor of Arts (Degree with Honours) The Honours program comprises a research project as well as specialist subjects. For more information on entry to Honours, see the Arts Honours webpage.

Coursework Masters
If you wish to continue your professional studies at a Graduate level, the studies you undertake in your major can provide a direct pathway to coursework masters degrees in a wide range of areas. Entry is based on academic merit and in most cases requires completion of a Bachelor degree or equivalent. For more information on entry into a coursework masters degree see the University graduate programs webpages.

Research Higher Degrees
If you wish to undertake advanced research and explore particular study areas in more depth, there will be opportunities to proceed to a range of Research Higher Degrees at masters and doctoral level, usually upon completion of an Honours degree. For more information about research higher degree study in Arts and the entry requirements, see the Arts Graduate Research Programs webpages and the Graduate Research Hub.

Last updated: 22 March 2023

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